What does that symbol on your tag mean?

Click any laundry symbol below for an instant explanation, plus what to do and what to avoid.

Why care labels matter

Most people ignore the tiny symbols stitched into their clothes. Then a favorite sweater shrinks two sizes or a white t-shirt turns pink. Those symbols exist to help you keep your clothes looking good for years.

The problem is that the symbols are small and hard to read, and nobody hands you a decoder ring when you move out on your own. This page is that decoder ring.

How to use this page

Click any symbol in the grid above. A detail panel will appear with a plain-English explanation, a list of what to do, a list of what to avoid, and a practical tip.

Use the category buttons to filter by washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, or dry cleaning. Use the search box to find symbols by keyword. Hit the print button below for a one-page cheat sheet you can hang in your laundry area.

Common mistakes people make

  • Assuming all clothes can go in the dryer. Many cannot.
  • Washing everything on hot because it "cleans better." Hot water shrinks and fades most fabrics.
  • Ignoring the delicate cycle. It exists for a reason.
  • Using bleach on anything that is not pure white cotton.
  • Ironing fabrics that say "do not iron." The iron can melt synthetics or create permanent shine marks.

A note on regional differences

Most clothing sold internationally follows ISO or ASTM standards for care symbols. But some brands use slightly different designs or add text in specific languages. The symbols here cover the most common versions you will see in stores.

If a label includes text instructions alongside the symbols, follow the text. It may override or clarify the symbol for that specific garment.

Real-world scenarios

🧺 You just bought a new black hoodie

The label shows a tub with a 40 and a single line underneath. That means machine wash at 40°C or below on a gentle cycle. Wash it inside out with dark colors. Do not use high heat in the dryer. Tumble dry low or hang dry to keep the color deep and the fabric soft.

👕 Your white t-shirts are looking dingy

Check the label. If it shows a tub with a 60, you can wash them warm to brighten them up. If the triangle symbol is empty, a small amount of chlorine bleach is safe. But if the triangle has stripes, stick to color-safe (oxygen) bleach only.

🧥 Your dress blazer has a circle symbol

That means dry clean only. Do not try to wash it at home, even by hand. Take it to a professional cleaner and point out any spots or stains. The letter inside the circle (P or F) tells the cleaner which solvent to use.

🧦 You shrunk your wool socks

Wool often carries a hand-wash symbol or a "do not tumble dry" symbol. If you missed it and the socks shrank, try soaking them in lukewarm water with a bit of hair conditioner. Gently stretch them back to shape and lay flat to dry. It does not always work, but it is worth a try.

👖 New jeans are bleeding dye on everything

Wash new dark jeans by themselves or with other darks for the first few washes. Use cold water and turn them inside out. The tub with a 30 symbol is your friend here. Cold water keeps the dye from running.

👗 A silk blouse with a crossed-out iron

Do not iron silk. Instead, hang it in the bathroom while you shower. The steam will relax the wrinkles. Or use a handheld steamer held at least six inches from the fabric. The crossed iron symbol means the heat will damage the material.